Background

The initial phase of the Boston University Twin Project (BUTP) is a multi-situation, multi-method, longitudinal investigation of genetic influences on the temperament dimension of activity level (AL) in early childhood. The unique feature of this research is the use of mechanical measures to assess AL in the child's home environment and within structured laboratory situations. Behavioral genetic studies of child temperament have been criticized for relying on a single measure, usually parent ratings. This study addressed these criticisms by using multiple methods across different contexts, and provides a more complete picture of the etiology of AL in early childhood.

Recruitment and Sample Characteristics

Twins were recruited from birth records supplied by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records. Twins were selected preferentially for higher birth weight and gestational age. No twins with birth weights below 1,750 grams or with gestational ages less than 34 weeks were included in the study. Twins were also excluded if one or both twins had a health problem that might affect motor activity (e.g., cerebral palsy) or a known genetic/chromosomal disorder. We contacted 769 families and 314 agreed to participate. Given the extensive time commitment required by participating families, this response rate (41%) is impressive and compares favorably to large-scale questionnaire-based studies of young twins. Table 1 presents sampling information for each age. 84 families had some form of fertility treatment. The average age of mother at time of birth was 33.7 years (range 20.1– 43.4).

TABLE 1 Date of Birth (DOB) and Dates of Tests for Each Birth Cohort

Study Procedure and Measures

Twins were assessed within approximately 2 weeks of their second and third birthdays. At each age, the procedure consisted of two visits, 48 hours apart, to the laboratory. Actigraphs were attached to each child (one per limb) at the first visit and removed at the second visit. The children tolerated the motion recorders well and most wore them for the entire 48-hour period. At the first visit within each age, one twin was assessed within a standardized test situation, while the other twin was assessed within a play situation. Situations were reversed at the second visit. Twins were assessed by different testers; however, the tester for each twin was the same across the two laboratory situations. This procedure allowed us to obtain an objective measure of AL in multiple situations (home, lab test, and lab play) at both ages (see Saudino & Zapfe, Reference Saudino and Zapfe2008, for details). We also have multiple measures of AL within the same situation (i.e., observer ratings of AL in each lab situation; parent ratings of AL within the home; see Saudino, Reference Saudino2009) and across age (Saudino, Reference Saudino2012).

In addition to AL, the BUTP includes observational measures of temperament-related constructs, including task orientation, affect/extraversion, inhibitory control, and emotion regulation. We also have observational/test data on a number of cognitive variables, such as mental development, imitative behavior, memory, theory of mind, and language development (the latter three at age 3 only). An observation of parent–child interaction was also obtained at age 3. Parent rating measures of child temperament, behavior problems, prosocial behavior, parenting, and child health are also available for both ages.

Families have been genotyped for specific genetic variants previously associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or aspects of temperament in young children. This included 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and four variable number tandem repeats spanning associated regions in the following genes: dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4), dopamine transporter (DAT1), noradrenergic transporter (NET1), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), serotonin transporter gene (SERT), synaptosomal associated protein (SNAP25), and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2). See Ilott et al. (Reference Ilott, Saudino and Asherson2010a, Reference Ilott, Saudino, Wood and Asherson2010b).

New Directions

We have received funding to study a new sample of 300 twin pairs who will be followed longitudinally at ages 3, 4, and 5 years. Recruitment via birth records is currently underway. The focus of this second study is on developmental trajectories of temperament and parenting and their links with developmental outcomes. Many of the age 3 lab-based measures will overlap across the two studies, allowing us to combine data for more powerful analyses. We also hope to begin a follow-up of the original BUTP sample pending funding.